Nollywood actor and constitutional lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has strongly condemned Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over what he described as an “unprovoked threat” to the life of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Okonkwo said the Governor’s remarks suggesting that Obi’s security could not be guaranteed in Edo without prior clearance were unconstitutional and dangerous.
“This is a direct attack and threat to his life,” Okonkwo said. “If a strand of hair falls from Peter Obi, then you will know he has kinsmen.”
The veteran actor and lawyer said the Governor had no legal authority to demand that any Nigerian, including Obi, seek permission before entering a state in the country.
“Does it mean that 200 million Nigerians must seek gubernatorial clearance to enter another state? That’s not only unconstitutional, it’s absurd.”
Despite being cautioned to remain calm during the interview, Okonkwo doubled down, saying the governor’s remarks warranted public outrage.
“What decorum did he maintain by threatening the life of a citizen? I reject his action with everything that is within me,” he thundered.
He further vowed to take legal action if Governor Okpebholo fails to issue a public apology to Obi.
When told that the Governor’s spokesperson later claimed his principal’s comments were taken out of context, Okonkwo dismissed it as “belated damage control.”
“They’ve even added lies to their misdeed. This isn’t about Peter Obi alone—it’s an insult to the entire Igbo race.”
Okonkwo also criticized what he termed ethnic bias, questioning whether the Governor would have dared make similar statements if Obi were from the North or South-West.
“When Northerners were killed in Edo, he ran to Kano and prostrated before elders. But now he threatens an innocent man from the East? That’s ethnic bigotry.”
He accused the Governor of being “petty and unintelligent,” claiming the threats were part of a broader pattern of disrespect against Obi by politicians.
“Gov. Alia of Benue made similar threats, and Obi kept quiet. He shouldn’t anymore. His silence may be interpreted as weakness.”
Kenneth Okonkwo concluded by urging Nigerians to resist any attempts to undermine citizens’ constitutional rights to free movement, speech, and political association.
